Symphony Supporters Party with Marilyn and Audrey, Raise $1.1 Mil

Johnny Than
Symphony Supporters Party with Marilyn and Audrey, Raise $1.1 Mil

Bill Stubbs, Betty Tutor and Kurt Grether

THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY ushered in Hollywood’s Golden Age at its annual black-tie gala, this year chaired by Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Cheryl Boblitt and Bill King.

The 400-plus guests arrived via a red carpet, dotted with 1920s-era photographers and reporters giving paparazzi vibes. Once inside the Post Oak Hotel, attendees mingled with Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe — courtesy of J&D entertainment — with wine in hand. (The Rydman family of Spec’s fame selected the evening’s pairings.)

Chef Jean-Luc Royere prepared mouthwatering, inventive hors d’oeurves — risotto lollipops, pan-seared crab cakes — and an excellent dinner of herb-roasted tenderloin and shrimp with a black-truffle-potato purée.

Another red carpet led from dinner tables to the black-and-white dance floor, above which Justin and the Swing Beats played from a bandstand. The night brought in $1.1 mil for the Symphony’s community and educational programming.

Tammie and Andy Johnson

Anne and Albert Chao

J&D Entertainment

Bill King, Cheryl Boblitt, Brigitte Kalai, Fardia Abjani and John Mangum

Miya Shay and Roslyn Bazelle

Margaret Alkek Williams and Hallie Vanderhider

Eric and Lisa Lindsey

Sparkling dessert

Gretchen and Jay Watkins

Leslie Siller and Cynthia Wolff

Laurie and Tracy Krohn

Korrine and James Whipkey

Barbara Burger and Ian Mayton

Parties

Janet Hobby, Anne Hamman Brollier, Kate Gibson

NATURE LOVERS AND park supporters gathered at the Clay Family Eastern Glades in Memorial Park to toast the landmark’s centennial. Memorial Park Conservancy and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department put together a beautiful program that celebrated not only its 100-year history, but its very recent (and ongoing!) transformation that has improved the quality of life for many Houstonians.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

HOUSTON’S INFAMOUS HUMIDITY is already creeping in, but cool and casual El Segundo Swim Club has the antidote to beating the heat. Houston’s only private outdoor swim club and bar — with a 1,350-square-foot swimming pool, cabanas and adult beverage service — will officially reopen for the spring and summer swim season Saturday, May 4.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places